Dr. Kaan Mika

ETH Zurich - The Biocommunication Group

Other articles of the author

No pockets but a mask – The black masked bee

Black masked bees (Hylaeus nigritus) have a distinct way of transporting pollen. Unlike bees that typically use specialized structures like pollen baskets on their hind legs, Hylaeus bees carry pollen internally.

Continue reading About No pockets but a mask – The black masked bee
Friends or foes?

When spring comes with its glory, your garden quickly gets populated by six-legged residents. You might attribute good or bad roles to most of them immediately, but encountering an unfamiliar insect brings up the question: Is it a friend or a foe?

Continue reading About Friends or foes?
Inspired by insects

Insects have been thriving on Earth for millions of years. In addition to their significant roles in the ecosystem, insects also deeply inspired human culture and technology.

Continue reading About Inspired by insects
Bittersweet memories

We remember mosquitoes by their annoying buzz, their endless thirst for blood and the itchy marks they leave on our skin. But have you ever wondered how a mosquito remembers us? Turns out that they are smarter than we think.

Continue reading About Bittersweet memories
A new challenge for Europe: West Nile Virus

The West Nile Virus (WNV) is transmitted mainly by mosquitoes of the genus Culex. The bite of an infected mosquito might lead to West Nile fever in humans. For some years now, the WNV has been migrating northwards.

Continue reading About A new challenge for Europe: West Nile Virus
The great migration of mosquitoes

Do you agree that mosquitoes are getting worse each summer? Their bites hurt more, they trigger long-lasting allergic reactions, and their temper has worsened. Is the personality of native mosquitoes changing over the years, or are we becoming the target of alien species?

Continue reading About The great migration of mosquitoes
Thorben Danke – The insect portraitist

Thorben Danke strives to share his passion for insects with a wide audience by showcasing the beauty and fragility of these creatures, which are so vital to our planet, through his stunning insect photography.

Continue reading About Thorben Danke – The insect portraitist

Reach us